The Project Management Growth Mindset Dispatch

If you’re feeling stuck in a dead-end job, undervalued, or unsure about your next career move, you’re not alone. I've been there too. A few years ago, I was working as a cake decorator, feeling trapped and underpaid. I knew I wanted something more, but I had no idea how to get there. Taking a chance, I started as a receptionist at a law firm, and it was there that my journey into project management began. It wasn’t easy, but with hard work, curiosity, and a drive to succeed, I earned my PMP and climbed the corporate ladder to become a Senior Project Manager at a global law firm—overseeing two of its five largest client accounts.

Project management changed my life—not just my career but my financial stability and sense of purpose. Now, I’m passionate about helping others take control of their careers, just as I did. I know how daunting the journey can feel—struggling to articulate your value, not knowing what steps to take, and getting overwhelmed by the job search process. But with the right strategy and a little confidence, you can make the leap too.

In this newsletter, I'm bringing you the latest insights and strategies to help you navigate your career journey, no matter where you are now.

Here’s what you’ll find in this month’s edition:

• Ready to Level Up Your PM Career? Listen to my podcast episode on Project Management Happy Hour

• Layoffs Don’t Have to Be a Surprise

• Looking for a Job that Requires Special Clearance?

• Catch me at the PMI Metro St. Louis Chapter Professional Development Day

• The Future of Hybrid Work: What the Data Tells Us

  
  

Let’s dive into this month’s topics!

Ready to Level Up Your PM Career?

I recently had the amazing opportunity to be a guest on the Project Management Happy Hour podcast, where I shared my journey from cake decorator to Senior Project Manager at a global law firm. We talked about the real, unfiltered path to breaking into project management and my game-changing "Iron Triangle" of job searching: credentials, experience, and network.

I also shared how confidence became my most valuable tool, debunked myths about applicant tracking systems, and offered practical tips on standing out—like crafting a video resume and strategically networking before a conference.

Networking is one of the most important tools for job seekers, and Project Management Happy Hour has an already well-established network of experienced PMs that you can tap into. You can even become a member and gain access to this incredible community! See here for more details: Project Management Happy Hour Membership

If you're looking for inspiration and actionable advice on taking your PM career to the next level, this episode is for you. I’d love for you to give it a listen!

🎧 Listen to the episode here

Layoffs Don't Have to Be a Surprise

No one likes to think about layoffs, but being prepared is key to protecting your career. Did you know about the WARN Act? It requires employers with 100 or more employees to give 60 days' notice of mass layoffs or plant closings. This means that, in many cases, you can find out about potential layoffs before they happen!

To find out if layoffs are coming in your area, just go to Google and type in 'WARN Act' followed by the name of your state. For example, if you're in Washington, type 'WARN Act Washington' to find the latest layoff notifications. You can also check out the Washington WARN layoff and closure database here: Washington WARN Database.

Looking for a Job that Requires Special Clearance?

If you already hold a special security clearance and are looking for a new opportunity, ClearanceJobs.com is the place to go. This platform is designed specifically for professionals with security clearances, connecting them with employers who value their expertise and are willing to offer competitive compensation.

Whether you’re transitioning from the military, government service, or a private sector role that required clearance, ClearanceJobs.com makes it easy to find jobs that match your qualifications. The roles posted often come with excellent benefits, stability, and opportunities for career advancement. Take advantage of this targeted resource and explore what’s out there!

Ready to Find your Next Project Management Job?

I’m speaking at the PMI Metro St. Louis Chapter Professional Development Day in June. The topics include "Finding your Next Project Management Job" and "Personal Branding for Career Growth." Stay tuned for more information!

Is your organization looking for their next speaker?

Reach out to me at kayla@kaylaqcareercoaching.com for more information! 

The Future of Remote Work: What the Data Tells Us

Remote work is here to stay, but what does the data really say about its future? According to the latest Flex Report for Q4 2024, remote work arrangements continue to evolve as companies balance flexibility with collaboration needs.

Stability in Full-Time In-Office Requirements:

Despite some high-profile companies pushing for a return to the office, the percentage of U.S. firms requiring full-time in-office work remains steady at 32%. This suggests that the broader corporate landscape is not following this trend as rapidly as headlines might suggest.

Rise of Structured Hybrid Models:

Hybrid work models continue to grow in popularity, with 43% of firms adopting a structured hybrid model—up from 38% in Q3 2024 and 20% in Q1 2023. Companies are finding a middle ground between remote flexibility and maintaining in-office presence to balance productivity and collaboration.

Decline of Fully Flexible Models:

The percentage of companies offering fully flexible work arrangements decreased from 29% to 25% quarter over quarter. This decline reflects a desire among some companies to reclaim more in-office time while still offering some flexibility.

Increase in Required In-Office Days:

The average required in-office time increased to 2.78 days per week from 2.63 in the previous quarter. The increase is largely driven by companies requiring three days per week in the office, jumping from 19% to 28%. This gradual push signals a move towards more in-office presence without fully abandoning hybrid models.

Industry-Specific Trends:

Tech and Insurance remain the most flexible industries, while Financial Services has reclaimed a top-three spot for flexibility.

Restaurant and Food Services and Education are the most rigid, predominantly requiring full-time in-office work.

This division highlights how knowledge-based and tech-driven sectors maintain more flexible arrangements, while hands-on and service-oriented sectors continue to require physical presence.

Company Size and Flexibility:

Smaller firms (500 employees or fewer) are significantly more likely to be fully flexible (70%), while large firms (25,000+ employees) favor structured hybrid models (73%).

The disparity underscores how organizational scale influences work flexibility decisions, with larger companies needing more standardized approaches.

Future Outlook:

The popularity of structured hybrid models will likely continue to rise as they balance in-person collaboration with flexibility.

While the number of required in-office days may increase slightly, pre-pandemic levels are unlikely to return as companies recognize the productivity and morale benefits of remote work.

Companies offering greater flexibility will likely have a competitive advantage in attracting and retaining talent, especially in industries that can accommodate remote work.

What's Next?

I hope you found these insights and strategies helpful as you continue to take charge of your career journey. Remember, whether you're navigating hybrid work trends, preparing for potential changes, or exploring new opportunities, you're never alone on this path.

If you're ready to level up your project management career or need some guidance on your next steps, I’m here to help. Let's connect and make your career goals a reality.

Apply to work with me here: Kayla Q Career Coaching.

Keep pushing forward, stay curious, and never stop growing!